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Filipino Hat, Collar and Rank Insignia

WEAPONS

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The evolution of Philippine revolutionary insignia can be divided into three basic periods; Early Katipunan, Late Katipunan and Republican Army. The Early Katipunan insignia appeared in 1896 at the beginning of the first uprising against Spain. It consisted of red patches with mostly a series of white bars or the letter "K", singularly or repeated up to three times. These patches were worn on the front of the shirt or jacket, or as an armband.

In October, 1896 these awkward designs were changed to more systematic and military looking cuff ranks. These were worn as a series of red braids and loops for officers and chevrons for NCO's.

An NCO displaying his rank chevrons. Without color it is difficult to determine if these are red 1896 chevrons or those of green authorized in 1898.

With the renewal of the revolution in 1898 and its appeal spreading beyond just the Katipunan faction, the army became a force for the broader republican movement. New rank and branch of service insignia was adopted which reflected the more professional nature of the army. Rank was now displayed by a series of silver or gold five pointed stars on shoulder boards of different colored cloth that designated branch of service. NCO's now wore green chevrons. Metal collar badges were also worn to signify unit identity. While the shoulder board rank insignia was widely worn by officers, the collar insignia is rarely see in period photographs.

Again, the artist Juan Luna, brother of General Antonio Luna, is credited with the design of this insignia. Actual documentation of this, however, has not come to my attention. I would greatly appreciate anyone with information concerning Luna's role in the design of the army's uniforms.

I am indebted to Pedro Antonio V. Javier for his pioneering research into the uniforms and insignia of the early Filipino soldier.

A Spanish press photo from Manila dated 1899 showing a variety of Philippine Republican Army insignia. From top they are:

1. Hat Badge.

2. General's Rank Star.

3. Officer's Rank Star.

4. Engineer.

5. General Staff.

6. Artillery.

7. Infantry.

8. Cavalry.

9. Light Infantry.

10. Intendancy - Quartermaster.

11. Signals.

12. Medical Service.

13. Hat Cockade.

Hat Cockades and Badges

Hat cockade of cotton on a paper backing with silver 'Sun Face' insignia.

Hat insignia, silver 'Sun Face' insignia on red wool. Major Harry Bandholtz souvenir. The second photo show this badge with three rank stars on the original Philippines Constabulary reference card with notes on its capture.

Artifact courtesy Minnesota Military Museum

Hat cockade of silk and cotton.

Branch of Service Collar Insignia

Infantry collar insignia in brass with the unit number "7". Note that the number is upside down. Major Harry Bandholtz souvenir.

General Staff insignia in brass. Major Harry Bandholtz souvenir.

Rank Insignia

A pair of Infantry Captain's shoulder straps with silver rank stars on red cotton flannel with a pasteboard stiffener and check cotton on the underside. Major Harry Bandholtz souvenir. The second photo show these straps with an extra rank star on the original Philippines Constabulary reference card with notes on their capture.

Another pair of Infantry Captain's shoulder straps with silver rank stars on red cotton flannel with a pasteboard stiffener and check cotton on the underside. Again, souvenirs of Major Harry Bandholtz

Three variations of the silver rank stars on red cotton, indicating that they are for an Infantry officer. Bandholtz souvenir.

Military Administration officer silver rank star on rayadillo. Bandholtz souvenir.

Shoulder strap of the revolutionary period based on the design of the Philippines flag. Unit and purpose are currently unknown, but it may date from the pre-1898 period when cuff rank was in use.